Refrigerator condenser



c. STEENSTRUP 2,019,324

REFRIGERATOR CONDENSER Filed Oct 11. 1934 Oct. 29, 1935.

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I! I /ZZ Inventor:

Christian Ste 'nsb'r'u'p, /4 by WQ/VHLFJQMZJ'V4 is Abbo'r'neg.

Patented Oct. 29, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE REFRIGERATOR CONDENSER tion of New York Application October 11, 1934, Serial No. 747,873

15 Claims.

My invention relates to air cooled condensers for refrigerating machines.

In refrigerating machines a condenser is employed to liquefy the refrigerant before it is supplied to the expansion or evaporator unit. Air cooled condensers are frequently used for this purpose and it is desirable that such condensers should provide a relatively large heat dissipation area while occupying a relatively small space. In order to further conserve space the condenser may be mounted on or about a casing surrounding the compressor. When so mounted the condenser may also be used to dissipate heat from the compressor casing.

It is an object of my invention to provide an air cooled condenser formed in such manner as to provide a relatively large and. efiicient heat dissipation area within a relatively small space.

It is a further object of my invention to provide an air cooled condenser which is especially adapted to efficiently dissipate heat from a compressor casing.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds and the features of novelty which characterize my invention will be pointed out with particularlity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.

For a better understanding of my invention reference may be had to the accompanying drawing in which Fig. l is a front elevation, partly in section, of a refrigerating machine embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a developed view of the condenser unit of the form preferably used in my improved refrigerating machine; and Fig. 3 is a plan view, partly in section on the line 3-3, of the air cooled condenser and compressor casing shown in Fig. 1;

Referring to the drawing, in Fig. 1, I have shown a household refrigerator cabinet having a refrigerating unit provided with an air cooled condenser embodying my invention. In this unit a motor and compressor are arranged in an hermetically sealed casing l0 mounted on a removable cabinet top H, an air cooled condenser I2 being supported about the casing l0. Gaseous refrigerant is compressed in the casing Ill by a suitable motor-driven compressor. The compressed gaseous refrigerant flows from the compressor through a connection [3 into the condenser l2 where it is cooled and liquefied and from whence it flows through a connection It to a flow controlling float valve l5 and through a tube 18 into an evaporator l'i suspended below the cabinet top H. The liquid refrigerant is vaporized in the evaporator l1 and is drawn back to the compressor through a suction tube In accordance with my invention I provide a condenser having a refrigerant passage extend- 5 ing alternately adjacent the casing and outwardly therefrom so that the heat will pass from the casing to the condenser and then be dissipated to bodies of relatively cool air about the casing and condenser. In the illustrative form 10 of my invention the condenser I2 is preferably formed of two sheets of metal. One of these sheets is provided with a sinuous indentation l9, as best shown in Fig. 2. The second sheet is placed in face engagement with the first sheet 15 and its edges 20 and 2| are folded over the ad-- jacent longitudinal edges of the first sheet. The sheets are hermetically sealed by spot or line welding them together between and entirely along the indentations and about the edges 20 thereof to prevent the pressure of refrigerant separating the sheets. This provides a passage for the refrigerant which enters at an inlet 22, passes through the passage defined by the indentations l9 and the adjacent back sheet and 26 is discharged at an outlet 23. The condenser, having been formed as shown in Fig. 2, is then bent into a zigzag annulus, as shown in Fig. 3, and the free ends are welded together at 24. I prefer to form the zigzag annuluses with a series of arcuate surfaces l2a along their greatest diameters in such manner that these surfaces occupy roughly half of the peripheral area of the greatest diameter thus providing a large andefficient heat radiating surface within a relatively 85 small circumference. I also prefer to form the annuluses in a series of arcuate surfaces [2b along their least diameter. This second series of arcuate surfaces are secured in close contact with the compressor casing H] as shown. I do this by making the inner series of arcuate surfaces of a slightly smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter of the casing, and the con denser is then pressed on the casing which insures good heat conduction ietween the condenser and casing.

The condenser in the form shown provides a passage for the refrigerant in which the latter flows alternately adjacent and away from the wall of the casing. As the compressed vaporized 50 refrigerant passes through the condenser it is liquefied in the outer portions and tends to be vaporized in those portions nearest the compressor casing which cycle aids in producing a relatively uniform temperature of the condenser.

At the same time this cycle of operation provides a very efiicient means for dissipating heat from the casing through the condenser by utilizing successive condensation and vaporization of the 5 refrigerant. The condensed liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the casing in passing adjacent the same, and is recondensed in passing through the outer portion by the cooling air circulating upwardly about the condenser. In the construction illustrated this circulation of cooling air is produced by natural draft, although forced draft cooling by the use of a fan may be used if desired.

From the foregoing it is evident that I have 16 provided an eflicient condenser of rugged and easily manufactured construction having a refrigerant conduit providing a large area in heat nuluses of least diameter being formed in a series of arcuate supporting surfaces.

5. A refrigerating machine including a compressor casing containing refrigerant at relatively high temperature, and air cooled means for condensing compressed refrigerant received from said casing and for dissipating heat from said casing, said means conveying refrigerant flowing therethrough from said casing alternately in heat exchange relationship with said hot casing and with relatively cool air so as to utilize the alternate heating and cooling of the refrigerant to dissipate heat from said casing.

6. A refrigerating machine including a compressor casing containing refrigerant at relatively high temperature, and air cooled means for condensing compressed refrigerant received from said casing and for dissipating heat from said casing, said means including a refrigerant passages supported by and substantially survided in a small space by my mp ov d roun d irT?id cefiihg for conveying refrigerant it may also be advantageously used in conjunction with a compressor casing containing cool gases or when mounted relatively remote from the compressor casing.

' While I have shown an embodiment of my invention in connection with a compression refrigerating machine, I do not desire my invention to be limited to the particular construction shown 80 and described, and I intend in the appended claims to cover all modifications within the spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

85 l. An-air cooled condenser for refrigerating systems including zigzag annuluses of sheet material conforming with each other throughout the annular portions thereof and hermetically secured together, saidsheets having a plurality 40 of interconnected refrigerant passages extending therebetween transversely of the annuluses and substantially about the same.

2. An air cooled condenser for refrigerating systems including zigzag annuluses of sheet material conforming with each other throughout the annular portions thereof and hermetically secured together. one of said annuluses having an indentation therein cooperating with the juxtaposed portion of the second annulus to form a refrigerant passage extending transversely of the annuluses and substantially about the same.

3. An air cooled condenser for refrigerating systems including zigzag annuluses of sheet material conforming with each other throughout the annular portions thereof and hermetically secured together, one of said annuluses having a sinuous indentation therein cooperating with the juxtaposed portion of the second annulus to form a refrigerant passage extending transversely of the annuluses and substantially about the same,

the portions of said annuluses of greatest diameter being formed in a series of arcuate radiating surfaces. w

4. An air cooled condenser for refrigerating systems including zigzag annuluses of sheet material conforming with each other throughout the annular portions thereof and hermetically secured together, one of said annuluses having a sinuous indentation therein cooperating with the juxtaposed portion of the second annulus to form a refrigerant passage extending transversely of the annuluses and substantially about the same, the portions of said annuluses of greatest diameter being formed in a series of arcuate 7 radiating surfaces, and the portions of said anfiowing therethrough from said casing alternately in heat exchange relationship with said hot casing and with relatively cool air about said means so as to utilize the alternate heating and 25 cooling of the refrigerant to dissipate heat from said casing.

7. A refrigerating machine including a compressor casing containing refrigerant at relatively high temperature, and air cooled means 30 for condensing compressed refrigerant received from said casing and for dissipating heat from said casing, said means including a refrigerant passage including walls having alternate portions in contact with said casing and spaced 35 therefrom for conveying refrigerant flowing therethrough from said casing alternately in heat exchange relationship with said hot casing and with relatively cool air about said means so as to utilize the alternate heating and cooling 0 of the refrigerant to dissipate heat from said casing. I

8. A refrigerating machine including a. compressor casing containing refrigerant at relatively high temperature, and air cooled means 45 for condensing compressed refrigerant received from said casing and for dissipating heat from said casing, said means including a pair of sheets having juxtaposed faces with portions thereof spaced apart to define a refrigerant passage there- 50 between, one of said sheets having alternate portions in contact with said casing and spaced therefrom for conveying refrigerant flowing through said refrigerant passage from said casing alternately in heat exchange relationship with said as hot casing and with relatively cool air about said means so as to utilize the alternate heating and cooling of the refrigerant to dissipate heat from said casing.

9. A refrigerating machine including a compressor casing containing refrigerant at relatively high temperature, and air cooled means for condensing compressed refrigerant received from said casing and for dissipating heat from said casing, said means including a pair of sheets joined together at their peripheries and having intermediate portions thereof spaced apart to define a refrigerant passage therebetween, one of said sheets having alternate portions supported 7 by said casing and spaced therefrom for conveying refrigerant flowing through said refrigerant passage from said casing alternately in heat exchange relationship with said hot casing and with relatively cool air about said means so as to 16 utilize the alternate heating and cooling of the refrigerant to dissipate heat from said casing.

10. A refrigerating machine including a compressor casing, and an air cooled condenser ex- 98 tending about and supported by said casing, said condenser including a zigzag annular passage and a portion of least diameter formed in a series of arcuate surfaces in thermal contact with a substantial portion of the peripheral area of said 09 casing.

11. A refrigerating machine including a compressor casing, and an air cooled condenser extending about and supported by said casing, said condenser including zigzag annuluses of sheet 93 material conforming with each other throughout the annular portions thereof and hermetically secured together, said sheets having a plurality of interconnected refrigerant passages extending therebetween transversely of the annuluses and 03 substantially about the same, the portion of least diameter of the inner annulus being in thermal contact with a substantial portion of the peripheral area of said casing. l

12. A refrigerating machine including a com- QI pressor casing, an air cooled condenser extending about and supported by said casing, said condenser including zigzag annuluses of sheet material conforming with each other throughout the annular portions thereof and hermetically secured 01 together, one of said annuluses having a sinuous indentation therein cooperating with the juxtaposed portion of the second annulus to' form a refrigerant passage extending transversely of the annuluses and substantially about the same, the portion of least diameter of the inner annulus .being' in thermal contact with a substantial portion of the peripheral area of said casing.

13. A refrigerating machine including a compressor casing containing refrigerant at relatively 40 high temperature, and air cooled means utilizing alternate vaporization and condensation of refrigerant received thereby from said casing for dissipating heat from said casing, said means conveying refrigerant flowing therethrough from said casing alternately in heat exchange rela- I tionship with said hot casing and with relatively cool air.

14. A refrigerating machine including a compressor casing containing refrigerant at relatively high temperature, and air cooled means utilizing l alternate vaporization and condensation of refrigerant received thereby from said casing for cooling said casing, said air cooled means also being utilized to condense compressed refrigerant received thereby from said casing and including a refrigerant passage provided with walls having alternate portions in contact with said casing and spaced therefrom for conveying refrigerant flowing therethrough from said casing alternately in heat exchange relationship with said hot casing and with relatively cool air about said means.

15. A refrigerating machine including a compressor casing containing refrigerant at relatively high temperature, and air cooled means for condensing compressed refrigerant received from said casing and for dissipating heat from said casing, said means including a pair of sheets joined together at their peripheries and having intermediate portions thereof spaced apart to define a refrigerant passage therebetween, one of said sheets having alternate portions supported by said casing and spaced therefrom for conveying refrigerant flowing through said refrigerant passage from said casing alternately in heat exchange relationship with said hot casing and with relatively cool air about said means so as to utilize the alternate vaporization and condensation of the refrigerant to dissipate heat from said casing.

CHRISTIAN STEENSTRUP. 4D 

